Apply Now for up to USD 120,000 in Venture funding for African innovators tackling plastic waste and driving circular economy solutions

Admin,

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

OceanHub Africa, in collaboration with The Coca-Cola Foundation, has launched a pan-African initiative aimed at transforming groundbreaking, science-based ideas into scalable solutions that tackle plastic waste and promote a circular economy across the continent.

With Africa’s solid waste generation projected to exceed 200 million tonnes annually by 2030, the continent faces mounting environmental and economic challenges. Plastic pollution continues to threaten coastal and urban ecosystems, endanger public health, and undermine local livelihoods.

Recognizing that many promising innovations never advance beyond the research stage, this initiative provides the support needed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial impact. Selected innovators will gain access to venture funding, mentorship, and business development support to turn their ideas into profitable, sustainable enterprises.

About the Initiative

The programme will provide up to USD 120,000 in tiered venture-building support to African-led projects that focus on plastic circularity, waste reduction, and sustainable materials innovation. Beyond funding, selected participants will benefit from hands-on mentorship, business incubation, and access to investor networks to fast-track their journey toward commercialization.

Programme Objectives

This initiative seeks to:

  • Transform science-driven research concepts into scalable, market-ready ventures.
  • Offer catalytic funding to de-risk early-stage innovation and pilot projects.
  • Build technical and commercial capacity through tailored mentorship.
  • Facilitate strategic connections with corporate partners, investors, and market ecosystems.

Funding Structure

The venture-building support is divided into three progressive funding stages to align with project development milestones:

  • Grant 1 – Capital Support (Up to USD 20,000): Funding for essential equipment, materials, or infrastructure needed to initiate or enhance development.
  • Grant 2 – Operations & Piloting (Up to USD 20,000): Additional funding for selected ventures to pilot and test their innovations in real-world environments.
  • Grant 3 – Commercialisation (Up to USD 80,000): A repayable grant for one outstanding venture ready to scale its validated business model.

Programme Timeline

  • Call Opens: 17 December 2025
  • Application Deadline: 15 February 2026 (23:59 SAST)
  • Evaluation Period: February 2026
  • Venture Building Phase: March – December 2026 (Hybrid format)
  • Acceleration Review: April 2026
  • Ongoing: Documentation, visibility, and networking through programme channels

Expected Impact

Through this initiative, OceanHub Africa and The Coca-Cola Foundation aim to generate measurable, long-term impact across the continent. The programme is expected to:

  • Divert or recycle over 490 tonnes of plastic waste.
  • Create more than 150 sustainable livelihoods.
  • Demonstrate commercially viable circular economy business models.
  • Develop scalable, adaptable solutions for diverse African markets.

Benefits for Selected Innovators

Selected participants will join OceanHub Africa’s Venture Builder Programme, a structured accelerator that provides end-to-end support to help research-based innovations reach the commercial stage.

Participants will receive:

  • Hands-on venture development support and market readiness coaching.
  • Personalized mentorship from circular economy and industry experts.
  • Business modeling, operational planning, and go-to-market guidance.
  • Access to corporate, investor, and ecosystem networks.
  • Tiered financial support aligned with venture milestones.

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is open to:

  • African innovators, researchers, and early-stage ventures developing science-driven solutions for plastic waste reduction, recycling enhancement, or circular economy advancement.
  • Eligible ventures should target solutions applicable to coastal and urban communities across Africa.

Eligible Countries: All African nations.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete an online application and submit a five-minute video pitch highlighting their innovation, implementation strategy, and expected impact.

Application Deadline: 15 February 2026 

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE 

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